Final Exhibitor Joining Instructions

Venue Address:

  • Greater Columbus Convention Center, 400 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43215

Event Schedule:

  • Please click HERE to review the event schedule which includes move-in and move-out access, show opening hours and evening reception information
  • NOTE: Booth package exhibitors will have access to the halls from 9.00am on October 2; whilst your booths will be built the day before, please be aware furniture, electrics, AV and graphics may continue to be installed throughout the day

Exhibitor Badges:

  • Please submit your exhibitor badge order no later than 5.00pm on Friday September 29
  • Please click HERE to order your exhibitor badges
  • Ordered exhibitor badges will be sent via email in a print-at-home format; alternatively, you can print your badge onsite from 12.00pm on October 2 in the Registration Area, outside of Hall A

Access – Move-in:

  • Exhibitors/ contractors who need to use the loading dock:
    • The loading dock entrance is at 3 Convention Center Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43215
      • When entering or exiting the facility, please ensure that you are only utilizing the doors designated to your event.
      • Loading dock doors are 8′ x 8′
      • Drive-in loading dock door size is 16′ x 20′
      • NOTE: Larger vehicles like U-hauls and box trucks must be unloaded by the onsite material handler, AGS
    • Upon entering the Loading Dock, exhibitors will receive a GCCC Dock Control Pass from the Dock Master.
      • The Control Pass will contain the booth name & number, contact info for driver, and time of arrival.
      • The Control Pass MUST be visible and face up on your dashboard while on the Loading Dock.
    • SMG/GCCC Public Safety Personnel will stage exhibitor vehicles appropriately for their designated Move-In or Move-Out
    • Exhibitors are allotted twenty (20) minutes to unload/load their vehicles to/from their designated booth.
      • Please respect this timeframe as it will ensure the Move In/Move-Out runs successfully
    • Upon completing the loading/unloading of their vehicles, exhibitors must exit the loading dock to provide space for the next vehicle.
    • Exhibitor vehicles are not permitted to park on the loading dock after loading/unloading their vehicles.
      • Vehicles violating this policy are subject to towing at the driver’s expense.
    • Exhibitors with trucks that will need bay door access will be assigned a Loading Dock bay door by the Dock Master upon entering the Loading Dock.
      • All exhibitor trucks will also receive a GCCC Dock Authorization sheet and follow the procedures stated above.
    • All carrier deliveries/pick-ups (Ex. UPS or FedEx) will be given access to the Loading Dock if ample room is available, and will be assigned a staging area by SMG/GCCC Public Safety personnel.
      • Upon arrival, the carrier driver must check in with the appropriate decorator at the rear of the contracted exhibit hall.
    • No vehicle may drive, be on a trailer, or stay in the facility unless it is a display vehicle, or an exemption has been issued by Public Safety Management. No exceptions.
  • Exhibitors who can hand carry smaller items:
    • Only full-time employees of exhibiting companies will be allowed to hand-carry items into the exhibit hall
    • The use of dollies, flat trucks and other equipment is not permitted by exhibitors; material handling services should be arranged with AGS Expo

Move-In:

  • Be security conscious; move-in and move-out are classic times for easily movable items such as laptops, mobiles, handbags, projectors etc to be stolen
  • Accidents are more likely to happen during the move-in and move-out phases of an event. For your safety, and the safety of others, the following guidelines must be adhered to during these times:
    • Please familiarise yourself with the Event Schedule so you are aware when contractors and exhibitors are permitted to carry out work in the hall
    • Industry and company health & safety policies are to be observed and adhered to at all times
    • No persons under the age of 16 are permitted in the exhibition halls
    • No vehicles will be allowed to load/ unload or enter / exit the venue unless authorised by a member of the venue security team
    • Do not obstruct the aisles and exits with rubbish. Gangway access needs to be maintained in case of an emergency

Access – Show Open Days:

  • Exhibitors will be allowed access to Hall A 1 hour prior to show open and 30 mins after show close

Show Open Days:

  • The dress code for this event is business attire
  • Children are not permitted in the halls
  • Exhibitors will have access to the halls from 8.00am/ 1 hour prior to show open on both days
  • October 03 Opening Hours: 9.00am – 4.30pm (Evening Reception 4.30pm – 6.00pm)
  • October 04 Opening Hours: 9.00am – 3.00pm

Access – Move-out:

  • Exhibits can be removed from 3.30pm on October 04, 2023; move-out prior to this time is not permitted
  • Exhibitors who can hand carry smaller items out, may do so via the entrance at the front of the hall from 3.30pm
  • All other exhibitors/ contractors should utilise the loading dock to remove their exhibits from the hall

Move-out:

  • The show closes at 3.00pm on October 4; the dismantle of exhibits can commence at this time
  • Move-out will commence 30 minutes after show close/ when all visitors have vacated the halls. Please do NOT attempt to remove exhibits until this time
  • The pedestrian exits will be opened 30 minutes after show close to allow exhibitors to exit the hall with items that can be carried
  • The loading dock will not be opened until the venue security team are happy that the show is clear of visitors (approximately 30 minutes after show close). Contractors may then gain access and movement of trolleys / fork lifts can commence, including the delivery of stored empties/ crates to booths
  • No large items i.e. pop-up booths or trolleys may be taken through any of the main public entrances. These must exit the building via the loading dock
  • All exhibits need to be clear of the halls no later than 10.00pm on Wednesday October 4, 2023. For any outbound shipping requirements, please contact AGS Expo
  • ALL (non-rental) booth items MUST be removed by exhibitors at the end of the event; this includes leftover leaflets/ marketing collateral, custom-build booth carpet etc

Parking:

  • Advanced parking can be purchased online, this will guarantee you a space at your selected parking facility
  • If pre-purchased parking isn’t available, you can still view real time parking availability HERE
  • Please visit the GCCC WEBSITE for further information and parking charges

Arrival by Car:

  • For driving directions, please click HERE
  • On arrival to the venue, please follow the digital and printed signage for the event

Deliveries:

  • If you are shipping directly to the venue, please either ensure that a representative from your company is there to receive the shipment, or, coordinate the delivery with our partner, AGS Expo
  • For full shipping information and instructions, please visit the EXHIBITOR BOOTH ORDERS

Electricity/ Power

  • Electrical connections are NOT available via the Decorator, AGS
  • Electrics must be ordered directly with, and installed by, the venue, the GCCC
  • To place an order for electrics, please visit the EXHIBITOR BOOTH ORDERS page
  • All electrical equipment must conform to National Electrical Code and be UL approved
  • International adaptors will not be supplied; all cords are fitted to supply standard US outlets. Please make sure you bring the necessary adaptors with you if required

Organizer Office/ Exhibitor Services:

  • The Exhibitor Service Desk is located at the rear of Hall A
  • Representatives from the Organiser Operations Team, Booth Services Contractor, Shipping & Handling will be available, should you require assistance
  • The phone number for the Organizer Office is +44 (0) 1273 286 399

Wi-Fi Access:

  • There is complimentary wi-fi access available in all of the public spaces such as lobbies, concourses and pre-function areas
  • This wi-fi is not available in the exhibition hall
  • Should you require guaranteed internet connection, please place an order for internet access at your booth, via the EXHIBITOR BOOTH ORDERS page

Lead Retrieval/ Data Capture:

  • Lead Retrieval units can be collected from 12.00pm on October 2 in the Hall A entrance; the team will also be on hand for any queries you may have relating to the system
  • To place an order for lead retrieval, please visit the EXHIBITOR BOOTH ORDERS page
  • To access your leads, the secure login and download instructions are included at the bottom of your order confirmation. You can then login to your secure cloud portal, and view & download from there

Onsite Handling & Storage:

  • If you require onsite handling assistance and/ or storage of your empties/ crates during the show, this MUST be pre-booked with the official contractor for these services, AGS Expo
  • For further information and to place an order for services, please visit the EXHIBITOR BOOTH ORDERS page

Concessions:

  • Concessions will be open on the main concourse outside Hall A and in the Hall also
  • No outside food or beverage is allowed into the building
  • Catering facilities in the hall are not open during the move-in period
  • To view dining options within a walkable distance from the venue, please click HERE

Still got a question?